Recent news highlights a stranded UK F-35B fighter jet, a grounded Royal Navy jet, a fire on the container ship MV Wan Hai 503 off Kerala, and a new COVID variant spreading in the region. Kerala, formed in 1956, is an Indian state on the Malabar Coast known for its lush landscapes, diverse culture, and high literacy.
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A UK-made F-35 stealth fighter, on a routine mission, is stranded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport due to technical issues. U.K. engineers are repairing it, with social media memes and tourism promotions emerging around the incident. The aircraft is expected to fly back to the UK next week.
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Recent wildlife encounters across various regions have highlighted the complexities of human-animal interactions. In Kerala, two tribal members died amid escalating man-animal conflicts. Meanwhile, a Colorado woman filmed a mysterious creature, and a lion intruded into a family's home in Gujarat, raising alarms about wildlife safety and conservation efforts.
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Recent wedding stories from India and China highlight both unexpected drama and delightful creativity. A bride in Uttar Pradesh refused to marry a stranger, while a bride in Kerala narrowly avoided a wedding disaster due to a location mix-up. Meanwhile, a viral wedding invitation in China featured a groom with two brides, later revealed as a prank.
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Venugopal Mullacheri, an Indian expat in the UAE, has won $1 million in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw, becoming the 500th winner in the promotion's history. The draw took place on May 7, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the long-running lottery.
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The NB.1.8.1 COVID variant, also known as 'Nimbus', now accounts for over 10% of global infections, with confirmed cases in the UK, US, and Asia. While it appears more transmissible, experts indicate it does not cause more severe illness than previous variants. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective against it.
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The MSC ELSA 3 sank off Kerala's coast on Sunday, carrying 640 containers, including hazardous materials. All 24 crew members were rescued. Authorities are monitoring the situation as some containers wash ashore, prompting warnings for local residents and fishermen.
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Shashi Tharoor's appointment to lead a delegation on terrorism has ignited tensions within the Indian National Congress. The party criticized Prime Minister Modi's government for bypassing its nominees, highlighting internal rifts and the marginalization of reform-minded leaders. This controversy reflects broader challenges facing Congress as it prepares for upcoming elections.
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Recent developments in India and Kerala highlight ongoing challenges in addressing sexual abuse allegations. In Kerala, survivors are hesitant to testify in cases stemming from the Hema Committee report, while in Orissa, a controversial bail decision has sparked outrage over the treatment of minors in sexual assault cases.
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The NB.1.8.1 variant of COVID-19, first detected in the U.S. in late March, is spreading rapidly, particularly in Asia. While it appears more transmissible, experts indicate it does not lead to more severe illness. The CDC is monitoring its spread amid rising hospitalizations in affected regions.
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The World Health Organization has designated the new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring.' It now accounts for over 10% of global infections, with cases confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales. While it spreads more easily, there is no evidence it causes more severe illness compared to previous variants.
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The MV Wan Hai 503, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, experienced multiple explosions and a fire while en route to Mumbai from Colombo on June 9. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are conducting search and rescue operations for four missing crew members, while firefighting efforts continue to control the blaze and prevent environmental hazards.
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Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, which killed 275 people, the airline's chairman has taken direct control of operations. Investigations are ongoing, with a focus on safety oversight and the future of India's aviation sector. The crash has raised significant concerns about Air India's transformation plans and passenger confidence.
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The UK's F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, two weeks after an emergency landing. Awaiting a specialized engineering team, the aircraft has become a subject of social media humor while facing harsh weather conditions.
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India experienced nationwide strikes on July 9, involving over 250 million workers protesting government policies on labor laws, privatization, and economic reforms. The protests disrupted sectors including banking, transport, and manufacturing, reflecting widespread discontent with Prime Minister Modi's policies. The strikes are part of ongoing tensions ahead of upcoming elections.